The Archbishop of Chicago has removed Rev. Kenneth J. Anderson of St. John Henry Newman Parish from his post managing the parish’s finances, citing “serious questions” about his financial administrative duties.
In a letter this week to members of the parish at 1615 Lincoln St. in Evanston, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich informed the parish that he had asked Anderson to “step away from his financial administrative duties” while the Archdiocese reviews the parish’s finances.
Cupich wrote that Rev. Wayne Watts of Saint Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish in Wilmette will “oversee the administration of parish finances” in the meantime, noting Anderson is “fully cooperating with this decision.”
Anderson will continue serving in a pastoral role, Cupich wrote.
The Chicago Tribune first reported Anderson’s removal late Thursday.
Chicago’s Catholic churches have faced a litany of financial concerns over the past several years, including a 2022 merger that consolidated Evanston’s Catholic parishes, St. Athanasius (1615 Lincoln St.) and St. Joan of Arc (3698 Lyons St.), as part of the Evanston Renew My Church program.
Anderson was tapped to lead the united parish, St. John Henry Newman parish.
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